Christmas revellers can party in Hinckley safe in the knowledge that all spirits have been tested and found to be safe.

Trading standards officers in Leicestershire say spot checks at more than 100 pubs and restaurants in the county have revealed that all spirits tested were found to be genuine brands.

Officers say the 100% pass rate indicates that licensed premises are purchasing stocks from reputable and traceable sources and confirms that customers are not at risk from unsafe fake spirits purchased from ‘rogue traders’.

The tests, which included evening checks, took place over the past 12 months and will boost consumer confidence as the run-up to the Christmas and New Year period gathers pace.

Councillor Joe Orson, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet member for trading standards, said: “Christmas is a time when rogue traders try to take advantage and our officers work diligently to protect the public. It’s pleasing that the bottles of well-known brands tested by officers were not filled with cheaper substitutes.”

Officers carried out more than 200 specialist DNA-type tests to ensure the products were genuine and that they met composition as well as weights and measures standards. The drinks checked included white rum, gin and vodka.

David Bull, head of trading standards in Leicestershire, said: “We work in partnership with the drinks industry to ensure consumers are supplied with genuinely-branded spirits.

“We are able to DNA-test a wide range of whiskies, brandies and white rums and I’m very pleased that so many pubs and restaurants were found to be complying with the law. Enforcement action is always taken against anyone found selling fake brands.”

Brigid Simmonds, who is chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, also welcomed the findings.

She said: “I am really pleased that Leicestershire pubs have performed so well. As a former director of Leicester City FC, I know this area so it is good to see trading standards highlighting that people can visit a pub in the county during the festive season and have full confidence in what drinks they are buying.”

Any consumers with concerns though should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service help-line on 03454 04 05 06, or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can also contact the trading standards service at tradingstandards@leics.gov.uk